Ryan Riddle joins me for a screening of Nebraska edge defender Randy Gregory, a tall, quick prospect with active and heavy hands. Here’s what we cover with one of the safer edge defenders in this class.

• How Gregory wins with his hands and feet.
• What makes Gregory a linear player and why does that both help and hurt him?
• Why Gregory is well coached.
• How a team could integrate film, workouts, and interviews to determine if Gregory can develop more pass rush moves.
• Why the first play of this game might offer a hint that Gregory has the intelligence and courage to develop a more versatile and refined game.
• How does Gregory contribute well within his role when playing “team football?”
• What is “squeezing the hole” mean?
• Why Gregory has a high floor, but gives Ryan concerns as a top-5 pick?
• Does Ryan recognize himself in his 2005 scouting report from Street & Smith’s?

I liked what I saw from Gregory in what was my first viewing. I believe he has to develop a more consistent jump off the line, develop and incorporate more pass rushing moves than his chop, and prove that he can pursue and tackle with greater consistency as a run defender. I’d take the chance on him in the first round of this draft class, but I agree with Ryan, there would have to be a lot more to consider to risk investing one of the highest picks in him.

For analysis of skill players in this year’s draft class, download the 2014 Rookie Scouting Portfolio – available now. Better yet, if you’re a fantasy owner the 56-page Post-Draft Add-on comes with the 2012 – 2014 RSPs at no additional charge. Best, yet, 10 percent of every sale is donated to Darkness to Light to combat sexual abuse. You can purchase past editions of the Rookie Scouting Portfolio for just $9.95 apiece. 

You can begin placing orders for the 2015 RSP in January and there’s a 10 percent pre-order discount through February 10.